Aim Vs Objective

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
AIM OBJECTIVE
COMPARISON

Meaning An aim is a ultimate Objective is something a

goal, which an person/entity seeks to
individual or the entity achieve, by continuously
strive to achieve. chasing it.

Addresses Long term outcomes Short term outcomes

What is it? General direction or Specific goal of an

intent of an individual/ individual or company.
company.

Concerned with Purpose Achievement

Describes What is to be achieved? How it is to be achieved?

Time Bound No Yes

Measurement Impossible Possible

Definition of Aim

In business parlance, a general statement, written in broad terms,

explaining what is intended to achieve, is called aim. It is the overall
purpose or the desired outcome, of the entity, which indicates what and
where you expect to be, at the end. These are the sentences which ascertain
the target of the program/project.

Aims act as basic directions while conducting a research or carrying out a

project. It can be chunked into various objectives which help in reaching
the aim easily. It has a long range perspective which reflects aspirations and
ambition of the entity.

Definition of Objective

After the aims are set by the organization, the next step is to formulate
objectives. Objectives are concrete targets or goals of the company, that
needs to be fulfilled within a time frame and with limited resources. They
are used in different context and are in the form of short sentences,
explaining what you want actually.

Objectives act as an instruction for the employees of the company, what

they need to do, to attain the desired result. They have a short range
perspective, i.e. they are small steps taken by the entity to reach the long
term aim. The characteristic of objectives are described as SMART+C:

 Specific
 Measurable
 Achievable
 Realistic or Relevant
 Time bound
 Challenging

Key Differences Between Aim and Objective

The following points are vital, so far as the difference between aim and
objective is concerned:

1. The term aim is described as the ultimate goal, which an individual or

the entity strive to achieve. The objective is something a
person/entity seeks to achieve, by continuously chasing it.
2. The aim of the entity reflects its long-term outcomes while its
objectives indicate the short term targets of the entity.
3. Aim refers to the general direction or intent of an
individual/company. On the other hand, the objective is the specific
goal of an individual or company.
4. .The aim is related to the company’s mission and purpose whereas
objectives are concerned with the achievements of the company.
5. Aim answers the question, what is to be achieved? Unlike objective
which answers, How it is to be achieved?
6. Aims are not time bound, i.e. there is no time frame within which the
aim of the entity must be achieved as it is hard to say accurately, how
much time it will take to achieve. On the other hand, objectives are
 always accompanied with a time frame, within which it must be
achieved.
7. Last but not the least difference between these two is on
measurability, i.e. objectives are measurable in nature while aims
lack measurability.

Conclusion

When it comes to specification, aims are a bit vague while objectives are
very specific. Further, the aims and objectives of any entity must be concise
and brief. They are prepared in such a way, that they should show a
connection between what a company aspires, and how it is going to pursue
those aims. There should be no contradiction between these two and they
should not repeat each other in different ways. Moreover, they need to be
realistic, i.e. the aim and objectives can be achieved within a limited time
frame.